Today I have another 속담(proverb/old saying). 산 넘어 산이다. This one is one of my favorites. Li

Today I have another 속담(proverb/old saying). 산 넘어 산이다. 

This one is one of my favorites. Life is full of challenges one after another. And this proverb illustrates just that feeling.

So, let’s first break 산 넘어 산이다 down. 산 means mountain(s), 넘다 means to climb over, pass, cross, and 산이다 is 산(mountain) plus the copula 이다 (similar to “to be”). 

산 넘어 산이다. Literally means something like “there is (another) mountain after going over a mountain.”/ “Go over the mountain and there is another mountain.”

It’s used to express discontent that there is “one problem/challenge after another.” Once you finish one challenge, another one appears.

So, like the pictures, American college students are in a debt crisis. So, it’s probably pretty relatable for some of you. I just struggled to get through college! So, now I should be okay. But, the moment I finish my first challenge (getting through college), I’m immediately faced with another challenge (paying off college debt). 

With life always putting new problems, barriers and challenges in front of us, this is a great expression. Here are some examples.

산 넘어 산이라고 대학교를 졸업하자마자 학비를 갚아야 돼요. “It’s just one challenge after another.” As soon as I graduate, I have to repay my school costs.

인생은 쉽지는 않지. 산 넘어 산이라고 하잖아. Live isn’t easy. They say it’s one hardship after another you know.

A: 민경아, 취직했다면서? 축하해! Mingyeong. I heard you got a job? Congratulations!

B: ㅋㅋ 고마워..취직을 하긴 했는데 다음 주 영어 시험을 봐야 된대. 산 넘어 산이야. haha Thank you…I did get a job, but they said I have to take an English exam next week. It’s just one thing after another.

Let me know if you have any questions. Good luck studying everyone! I hope you don’t have too many mountains to cross while studying Korean!